Medical reports Some practical tips

The field of expertise rule The expertise rule THE RULES FOR EXPERT EVIDENCE The field of expertise rule The expertise rule The common knowledge rule The ultimate issue rule The basis rule The explanation rule

Some common problems It is not the doctor’s role to find facts Don’t ask inappropriate questions

Some common problems Do you consider that the injury has arisen wholly or predominantly from reasonable administrative action?

Some common problems An opinion that does not disclose the assumed facts is useless

Some common problems An opinion that does not disclose how a conclusion was reached in inadmissible

Some common problems A request should not have the doctor guessing what you are seeking

Templates Beware of the potential for the template to produce a poor request. Always have in mind the rules of evidence Think about what it is that you want to know

Good reports A well written letter of request is much more likely to result in a useful report